Deadly Listeria Outbreak May Be Tied To Walmart And Trader Joe’s Meals & Claims 4 Lives

Listeria Outbreak Appears Linked to Ready-to-Eat Meals Expands, leaving 4 Dead.

A growing listeria outbreak tied to ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at major grocery chains has now caused 20 illnesses, 19 hospitalizations, and four deaths across 15 states, according to a Sept. 26 update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The exact source of the outbreak has not yet been confirmed, but preliminary testing has linked several pasta dishes to the illnesses. These include:

Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara (Walmart)
Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (Walmart)
Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (Kroger)
Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

The manufacturer, FreshRealm, first issued a voluntary recall in June 2025 after testing revealed listeria in some of its chicken Alfredo products. The beef meatball pasta was later added to the recall.

What to Know About Listeria

Listeria is a dangerous bacteria that can be especially harmful — and sometimes deadly — to older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. The outbreak has also resulted in one pregnancy loss.

It is found in foods like soft cheeses, deli meats, and unpasteurized dairy products.

Bacteria can survive in the fridge and even the freezer, making it harder to avoid.

Symptoms

Mild (gut-related):

Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting (Usually appear within a day and clear up in a few days.)

Severe (when it spreads to blood or brain):

Fever and chills
Muscle aches, fatigue, flu-like symptoms
Headache, stiff neck, confusion
Loss of balance or seizures (Can appear up to two months after eating contaminated food.)

Treatment & Prevention

Prompt antibiotics can help reduce serious complications.
People at higher risk should avoid high-risk foods like unpasteurized dairy and deli meats.

Recalled Products (Do Not Eat)

Marketside Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (12.3 oz & 32.8 oz) – Best-by June 26–27, 2025, or earlier; sold at Walmart.
Home Chef Chicken Alfredo (12.5 oz) – Best-by June 19, 2025, or earlier; sold at Kroger.
Marketside Beef Meatballs & Marinara Linguine (12 oz) – Best-by Sept. 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, or Oct. 1, 2025; sold at Walmart.
Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (16 oz) – Best-by Sept. 20, 24, or 27, 2025.

What Consumers Should Do

Anyone who bought these products should not eat them. Instead, throw them away — including items stored in the freezer — or return them to the store.

For more information, consumers can contact FreshRealm Customer Service at 888-244-1562.